France Rugby

Ireland got their 2009 Six Nations campaign off to the best possible start, beating their modern bete noire France, 30-21.

A game is a long time in rugby, 18 months is even longer.  It was then that Ireland was culminating preparations for the World Cup, before being physically overpowered by Scotland.

It was this loss that began a puzzling fall from grace for Irish rugby.  A terrible World Cup campaign was followed by a less than impressive 2008 Six Nations which ended with a 33-10 thrashing at the hands of the English.

This saw Eddie O’Sullivan move on, allowing the Munster Arch mage Declan Kidney to take control of the team.

It was not obvious what their fault was, as they still had all of their key players, and were able to compete with the best teams in the world. 

However, they struggled against the physical power of their opponents (especially at the ruck) and could not achieve the most important single factor in sport, that of winning games.

In France, Ireland saw at Croke Park a literal representation of this pain.  Here was a team that in 2004, 2006, and 2007 been the only team between three Irish Six Nation Grand Slams; this was a Les Bleus outfit that had inflicted seven consecutive defeats on the Emerald Isle.

But this tide has been turned, with Ireland recording a well earned 30-21 victory over their perennial conquerors, a triumph that was all the sweeter for the performance that the French played.

Ronan O’Gara opened the scoring after two minutes with a penalty.  Les Bleus could not gain possession in the opening exchanges, but as the half drew on, the attacking venom of the French began to gain more menace.

The French forwards looked to exert their dominance, led by Imanol Harinordoquy and Sebastien Chabel, both who had monstrous games.  But for all of the physical presence of the strong French pack, it was matched by the vaunted Irish pack, laced with the mighty men from Munster.

But it was the only two men in the pack who are not clad in the Munster red that truly stood high.  Ulster’s Stephen Ferris and Leinster’s Jamie Heaslip both had titanic games that would have given them early ticks on Ian McGeehan’s British Lions backrow selections.

The game was ultimately decided by the performance of the two respective backlines though.

Lionel Beauxis was excellent, supplying a near complete Toulouse backline with constant ball and sublime angles.   The Stade Francais stand off’s first game in Blue since the World Cup showed that if Marc Lievremont is willing to be consistent with selections, France's issues at 10 are finished.

There was also the trademark attacking genius displayed by France's three quarters, who were fed far too much ball due to some wayward tactical play from the usually reliable O’Gara. 

But, aphorism in Ireland says that if Brian O’Driscoll has a strong game, so do the Irish.  It was possibly the best performance in a Test match that the green clad talisman has ushered, all the more stunning considering the class of his opposing centres, the twin Toulouse dreadnoughts of Yannick Jauzion and Florian Fritz.

This was accentuated by the sublime second half try by BOD as he ran a vintage attacking line to slice open the French midfield and then glide past their last line to give Ireland a lead they would never relinquish.

Unlike his own fly half, the Irish captain was brilliant and decisive with his kicking accuracy, a neat little grubber kick late in the second half giving the Irish the momentum to mount an attacking play that killed off the French hopes.

A try that was scored by centre replacement Gordon D’Arcy, who had a fine match, illustrating the depth the Declan Kidney has at his disposal in the back division.

As BOD has now stated, one match does not make a championship, but was obviously pleased with the victory over the team that has haunted their quest for European dominance.

Enough was shown by Ireland to show that they will legitimately challenge for the 2009 title, and only victory against Italy at the Stade Flaminio will have the masses talking up their pedigree. 

Meanwhile Lievremont, who has stated that he will likely leave his side unchanged for their clash against Scotland, hardly has a crisis on his hands.  They were defeated by probably the best Irish performance in two years and will no doubt take scalps as this tournament unfolds.

Ireland 30
Tries: Heaslip, O'Driscoll, D'Arcy
Cons: O'Gara 3/3
Pens: O'Gara 3/5

France 21
Tries: Harinordoquy, Medard
Con: Beauxis 1/2

Pens: Beauxis 1/1
Drops: Beauxis 2/2

(Halftime: Ire 13 – Fra 10)

Ireland: 15 Rob Kearney, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Brian O'Driscoll (c), 12 Paddy Wallace, 11 Luke Fitzgerald, 10 Ronan O'Gara, 9 Tomas O'Leary , 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 David Wallace, 6 Stephen Ferris, 5 Paul O'Connell, 4 Donncha O'Callaghan, 3 John Hayes, 2 Jerry Flannery, 1 Marcus Horan.
Replacements: 16 Rory Best, 17 Tom Court, 18 Mal O'Kelly, 19 Denis Leamy, 20 Peter Stringer, 21 Gordon D'Arcy, 22 Geordan Murphy.

France: 15 Clement Poitrenaud, 14 Julien Malzieu, 13 Florian Fritz, 12 Yannick Jauzion, 11 Maxime Medard, 10 Lionel Beauxis, 9 Sebastien Tillous-Borde, 8 Imanol Harinordoquy, 7 Fulgence Ouedraogo, 6 Thierry Dusautoir, 5 Lionel Nallet (c), 4 Sebastien Chabal, 3 Benoit Lecouls, 2 Dimitri Szarzewski, 1 Lionel Faure.
Replacements: 16 Benjamin Kayser, 17 Nicolas Mas, 18 Romain Millo-Chluski, 19 Louis Picamoles, 20 Morgan Parra, 21 Benoit Baby , 22 Cedric Heymans .

Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)

France’s Coach Marc Lievremont has named a Six Nations squad shorn of Vincent Clerc (one of the standouts of last year), and with only one “dedicated” stand-off in Lionel Beauxis, who has not played exclusively in that position for Stade having been over shadowed by Argentinian Juan Martin Hernandez.

Still, it does feature some of the usual suspects (Jauzion, Heymans, Rougerie, Elissalde, Chabal, Dusautoir) alongside those I’ve never heard of, despite watching a fair amount of European rugby this year.

Still, look what happened to us last time we said “oh check out crazy Marc, we might have a chance here”. Scotland were going to win the Six Nations by kicking off with a victory against a novice French team, and we got humped 6-27 at home. This time round, Ireland are the guinea pigs.

France squad - Backs: Maxime Medard, Clement Poitrenaud, Cedric Heymans (all Toulouse), Alexis Palisson (Brive), Julien Malzieu, Aurelien Rougerie (both Clermont-Auvergne), Yannick Jauzion, Florian Fritz (both Toulouse), Benoit Baby (Clermont-Auvergne), Maxime Mermoz (Perpignan), Lionel Beauxis (Stade Francais), Jean-Baptiste Elissalde (Toulouse), Sebastien Tillous-Borde (Castres), Morgan Parra (Bourgoin).

Forwards: Julien Bonnaire (Clermont-Auvergne), Thierry Dusautoir (Toulouse), Fulgence Ouedraogo, Louis Picamoles (both Montpellier), Damien Chouly (Perpignan), Sebastien Chabal (Sale), Lionel Nallet (Castres), Romain Millo-Chluski (Toulouse), Jerome Thion (Biarritz), Guilhem Guirado (Perpignan), Benjamin Kayser (Leicester), Dimitri Szarzewski (Stade Francais), Nicolas Mas (Perpignan), Lionel Faure (Sale), Fabien Barcella (Biarritz), Fabien Lecouls (Toulouse).

In other news on the rest of my trawl around the Sky Sports Rugby site I found an intriguing ad offering me a 3/1 bet on England for an outright win in the Six Nations, which if had had any tea in my mouth would have made me spray it all over my screen.

I also found Stuart Barnes extolling the virtues of Glasgow and John Barclay, Will Greenwood naming Glasgow in three of his five thingies “of the Week” awards and a Lions XV “Team of the Week” where Ally Kellock and Max Evans were the only Scots. Still, some of the ludicrous pro-irish XV selections in the comments were quite a laugh. Tomas O’ Leary? C’mon.

Enjoy the Heineken Cup weekend coming up in which Edinburgh are out to spoil Leinster’s party, and Glasgow are out to umm, not lose against the Dragons again. Next week I—or hopefully we, ahem—will start the Six Nations buildup, this being the time of year when Al comes out of his cave with a big bag of tuppences…

Matt Giteau could make history, only it’s out of his control.

He is currently considering a deal which would see him become the highest paid player in Rugby Union. The 26 year old, who is currently playing the Super 14 competition for Western Force, has told the media he has been offered a four year deal to ply his trade in France for a contract worth in the vicinity of $10 million. This is a substantial increase on the $1.5 million he is making per season playing for the Force [Giteau extends Force contract].

Now you’re probably wondering, “Whats to think about? It’s $1 million more than what you make now, living life in beautiful France, what more could you want?” If only it was that easy.

Giteau’s current contract with Australian Rugby Union (ARU) expires at the end of the 2011 World Cup, and they have already ruled out granting him a temporary release to play in Europe.

Some are calling it the greatest offer that can’t be taken.

Matt is by far the best player in the Wallabies squad at the moment, and with his recent performances in Europe it is no wonder he is attracting some serious interest.

Despite the fact his contract with the Western Force ends in 2009, he still is under contract with the ARU until 2011, which means he can’t play for a Rugby Union team outside of Australia until 2011. There is no transfer or trade system in place, so he cannot simply be bought or bought out from his current commitments. The only option is to go to France in 2011 when his contract expires…when he is 29.

On the local front, he still has a few options. He may choose to re-sign with the Force or move back to his hometown of Canberra and play for the Brumbies. Despite the large sum of $1.5 million a year he is reportedly on, there is a strong chance he won’t be seeing all of it. $750,000 of his contract was from third party sponsor Firepower who is unable to pay. Whilst the Force have found companies willing to make up half of the owed amount, he will make less than stated, but still over $1 million.

Whilst no figures have been thrown around about what he could make in his next contract, I am sure his current price of $1.5 million would be a minimum judging by his form.

It is understood he will make a decision on his future before the next season starts in February as he doesn’t want to bring the attention on him:

“I couldn’t play a whole season, if I was to stay at the Force and lying to my team-mates,” Giteau said.

“So if I’d made my decision, I’d make it public and I’d let them know.” [Source]

The French League is winding to a close, and those who'll be contesting in the playoffs are becoming clear. Already Clermont Auvergne, Stade Toulouse, and Stade Francais have booked their spots in the semifinals.

The French, as they do every year, have conjured up another sensational rugby season. Undoubtedly the best league in the world, the flair and excitement is second to none.

The very fact French philosophy states "Run, Run, Run" means trys, most usually of the spectacular nature, are guaranteed. The footballing skills on display are unmatched, and show why many southern stars wish to play their trade in France.

As for 2007/08, the show has been stolen by two sides—Clermont Auvergne and Stade Toulouse.

Both have displayed scintillating back play and powerful forward play. Hence, both sit at the top of the Top 14 tree, and are favorites to reach the Stade de France final in three weeks' time.

Clermont began slowly while Toulouse hit the ground running. However, injuries and a prolonged European Cup campaign meant Toulouse hit a slump. Clermont racked off 10 straight victories, including a 54-10 mauling of reigning champions Stade Francais.

Clermont has the advantage—they'll play Biaritz or Perpingan in their semis, and both sides, although no pushovers can match the power of Clermont. A full strength side to choose from will mean they'll certainly contest the finale.

Toulouse has been given a cruel blow by being robbed of the best winger of the year, Vincent Clerc, and key full back Poitrenaud. Both players will sit on the bench until September.

However, Stade Francais is not the force like it was 12 months ago. Hernandez's mind appears to be at Leicester, while the rest of the squad has not preformed. Toulouse should edge this one.

Clermont vs. Toulouse. Bookies will say the former, but Toulouse has dealt with heartache by losing the Heineken Cup final, and is stronger for it. That experience will come in handy in the Stade, so expect the trophy to reside in Stade de Toulouse come September.

Predictions:

Clermont Auvergne 32-18 Perpingan

Stade Toulouse 20-16 Stade Francais

Clermont Auvergne 23-26 Stade Toulouse

The 2009 Six Nations will herald a new era, with the Wales v France match scheduled for a Friday night.

This decision will no doubt have some rugby traditionalists shaking in their blazers, bemoaning the end of the 3pm Saturday kick off. Well, not me - I like it. I’m quite a fan of evening rugby, and if Saturday night is suitable, why not Friday night?

What do you think? Does it matter?!

2009 Six Nations fixtures

February 7, England v Italy (1500), Ireland v France (1700); February 8, Scotland v Wales (1500).

February 14, France v Scotland (1500), Wales v England (1730); February 15, Italy v Ireland (1430).

February 27, France v Wales (2000); February 28, Scotland v Italy (1500), Ireland v England (1730).

March 14, Italy v Wales (1500), Scotland v Ireland (1700); March 15, England v France (1500).

March 21, Italy v France (1315), England v Scotland (1530), Wales v Ireland (1730).

Odd game, rugby.

A week ago there were concerns that England would be playing Scotland to avoid the ignominy of the Wooden Spoon. After victory in Paris, they are now in the mix for the championship. Indeed had it not been for 20 crazy minutes against Wales they could be eyeing up an unlikely clean sweep.

A week ago, France’s return to all-singing, all-dancing flair rugby was the toast of the tournament and talk of a Grand slam was in the air. Their back three were being hailed as the unit of the tournament. England were a shapeless, hapless and seemingly hopeless confusion of an outfit, grappling for a gameplan on a trial and error basis by utilising several different ones during the course of a game, often at the same time.

But it was all change in the middle Saturday of the tournament, the day when we really begin to uncover the truth about the teams on show. Now who is it who seem to have a realistic and coherent plan? Now which team is building a solid fort on foundations of stone, and which is attempting to build an entertainment theme park on a base of sand? On Saturday we learned an awful lot about the new French and English worlds, and had the view of what international rugby is all about reaffirmed in no uncertain terms.

One of the oldest rugby clichés states that forwards win the game, the backs decide by how many. This crystallises England at present and explains why their recent victories have been narrow even though they have pulverised their opponents up front. But the key point is that they have won those games. They lost to Wales and almost did to Italy precisely because their pack went missing in action.

Yesterday there was no let up, there was no lethargic 20 minutes and when France looked like they were gaining the upper hand in the third quarter, England reverted to type. They kept the ball through phases, worked their way into a position of strength and Jonny Wilkinson dropped the goal. The front row mercilessly pummelled the French to the point where scrums were barely a contest, and they closed the game out with brutal efficiency. This was classic England, the England of Martin Johnson and Richard Hill. Maybe England are rediscovering the art of how to win rugby matches, an art which requires a lot more than pretty colours and imagination.

Having said that, there were signs against France, as there were against Wales, that England are attempting to graft new dimensions on to their game. These will take time to come to fruition, they always do, but the key thing is to do them with a team who are confident enough to try things and carry them out with conviction. This environment will be rooted in victories, in the winning of tight games and England should be focussing on this for now.

With these truths now uncovered, England must not stray from their approach. They must forget about feeling guilty for playing it tight, they must forget about feeling guilty for playing to their strengths, they must forget about feeling guilty for being England. I’d love to see the England team play with width, flair and cohesion but at the moment that will only lead to disaster. They must carry on building slowly upon what they have started and once a strong base and a winning habit has been established, then maybe in a year or two we can release the host of exciting young backs coming through the ranks. Their time will come, but not quite yet.

Marc Lievremont would be well advised to take note. From the start, France started flinging the ball around in their 22 with gay abandon but no discernible pattern or plan. Running from your own 22 is fine, but if nothing happens within 3 phases or so, it is advisable to cut your losses and clear as any error is likely to be punished. France went through 8 or 9 phases and made no headway. It is all very well and commendable having the intention to play plenty of rugby, but it is better played in an area of the pitch where you are more likely to hurt the opposition than yourselves.

The French pack should be of grave concern. Lievremont has tried to re-establish traditional French values and play the game with flair and pace. He has gone out of his way to distance himself from the discredited methods of Bernard Laporte but has taken it much too far. Laporte’s initial intentions, to ensure France were less flaky and had substance to go with their undoubted style, were commendable. However, he took it rather too far rendering his team a toothless, passionless outfit. Lievremont should try to marry Laporte’s approach with the more traditional French method, rather than abandoning it completely.

Currently he has abandoned the mimicking of the English approach and is embracing the Australian one, rendering his pack a non-event. France are in the enviable position, possibly only equalled by New Zealand, of having the brawn to match the England pack and the talent to match the Australian backs. If Lievremont harnesses his resources effectively, he will build a formidable side. If he carries on down the road he is now treading, French supporters will have to get used to seeing their side getting beaten up by any team with a bit of grunt.

On 8 March against Scotland, England’s mission statement must be to leave Edinburgh as the most hated people in the city. The following day against Italy, France must not be satisfied with their back three running rings round the opposition but must aim to dominate up front. Since the World Cup, England have been typically English opting for conservative evolution; France have been typically French, choosing dashing revolution. All of a sudden Saxon stability looks to have the edge over Gallic grace.

by Stuart Peel

England beat the French 24-13 at the Stade de France last night, amid scenes reminiscent of the semi-final triumph in October.

I was reminded of that old cliche about which French team will turn up, but last night no team turned up at all. England dominated throughout, with the front five looking much more effective and generating quick ball for the backs.

Let’s not get too excited though - England still aren’t that great, and if Balshaw is picked against Scotland, I might start following a different sport. I’ve seen tighthead props more comfortable under the high ball.

The result means that Wales are the only team still chasing a Grand Slam after their impressive performance against Wales, whilst Ireland scored 5 tries to beat Scotland 34-13.

We’ll feature some analysis of the games on here during the week, but let us know your thoughts. Are England back on track? Will Wales win the Grand Slam? Should Scotland be relegated to a competition where they might win a game - like the U13B National Trophy?!

It’s back to Six Nations action this weekend—and with all three matches taking place on Saturday, there is plenty to get excited about.

Wales v Italy

The unbeaten Welsh host the Azzuri at the Millennium Stadium, keen to avenge their acrimonious defeat last year. 

In that match, Wales were chasing a try in the dying moments and were awarded a penalty. The team confirmed with the referee that there was time for the lineout, but then he prompty blew the final whistle as soon as Wales had kicked the ball into the corner. Who said Chris White doesn’t have a sense of humour?

Wales will be strong favourites to continue their Grand Slam march, despite Warren Gatland making several changes including recalling Stephen Jones at the expense of James Hook. Italy will be looking to keep it tight, with Marco Bortolami returning to the fold, whilst Wales will want to play with width and set little Shane Williams free on the wing.

Expect Italy to hang on for dear life, but Wales should open them up in the second half and win comfortably.

Ireland v Scotland

The last thing Scotland need at the moment is a difficult trip to Croke Park, and their losing streak looks likely to continue - they are even without stalwart Jason White and his young back row partner, John Barclay, who have been two of their stronger players so far.

Ireland’s second half performance against France reminded everyone of the team they once were, and they’ll be looking to continue their revival on home soil. Again, I can’t really look beyond a Home win and yet more misery for the Scots.

France v England

Can England recreate their World Cup scalp by bullying France in the forwards and playing an unimaginative tight game? Will that strategy be sufficient given the rebirth of French flair, courtesy of Vincent Clerc and Cedric Heymans?

In some respects, it could be a similar contest to the Wales v Italy game - England looking to keep it tight and sneak a narrow victory, whilst France look to run from anywhere and carve up England’s back three. I wouldn’t be quite so worried about that if we had the no-nonsense Josh Lewsey as our last line of defence, but with Lesley Vainikolo, Paul Sackey and Iain Balshaw up against Clerc, Rougerie and Heymans, it’s time to be afraid.

As someone recently commented on this site, it will either be a very close game, or a complete rout by the French—I’m leaning towards the latter at the moment.

For those in the betting league, don’t forget to place your bets - and have a look at The Betting Blog for some tips.

On a night where the tension was enough to unsettle even the most battle hardened professionals, it was England who progressed to the final after a memorable semi-final here at the magnificent Stade de France.

In doing so, England will become the first World Champions to defend their title in a World Cup final. In this famous old suburb of Paris, England produced not a Moliere comedy, but alongside their hosts played out a dramatic masterpiece of which Cocteau would have been proud.

This was not classic rugby, but a match played out in a fiery Parisien cauldron, and characterised by the fear of failure. These were the mainstays of Northern Hemisphere rugby, both of whom had been all but consigned to the also-rans after ignominious defeats earlier in their campaign.

France were defeated here in St Denis on the opening night by Argentina, whilst the holders England were demolished 36-0 across the city at the Parc des Princes. Obituaries had been penned, knives sharpened and expectation thoroughly and cruelly crushed.

No wonder that these teams, risen from the dead like Lazarus, were only too aware of the incredible opportunity ahead of them.

And it was England who struck before La Marseillaise had finished reverberating around this inspiring arena. Damien Traille, a center asked to play at full-back hesitated fatally to allow Josh Lewsey in for the try.

Lionel Beauxis reduced the deficit with a penalty, and the ensuing drama of the occasion was due particularly to the fact that from the 8th to the 78th minute, there were never more than 4 points between the 2 sides. It really was that close.

Beauxis kicked the hosts in front as Andrew Sheridan infringed in the scrum, and the score remained 6-5 to the French at the half.

The 2nd half - much like the 1st - was characterised by poor tactical kicking from both sides, with the two forward packs going at each other as if there were no tomorrows, and the French backs looking eminently dangerous.

However, this was NOT the English defence that capitulated so spectacularly against the South Africans 4 weeks ago. This was a group of men who put their bodies and souls on the line for a nation and who threw themselves in the way of every advancing blue tide.

Johnny Wilkinson hit and tackled like nobody here has seen in the last 4 years, the fly-half standing up to Fabien Pelous and having a sufficient impact to knock the big Frenchman out of the game. This brought on the iconic Sebastien Chabal, whose long flowing locks and raw power sent the home crowd into a wild frenzy.

Yet England would have been happy to see the Sale man enter the fray at such an early point. An impact player will not have the same kind of impact when he has to be on the field for so much longer. It would be like the New York Yankees asking Mariano Rivera to pitch from the 5th Inning.

As the second half progressed, Beauxis extended the French lead only for Wilkinson to respond with his first successful attempt of the evening as the scored stayed 9-8 to Les Bleus entering the final stanza of this dramatic semi-final.

The French used their powerful bench, the likes of Michalak, Harinodoquy and Dominici bringing fresh legs and impetus onto the field.

They peppered the English back 3 with high kicks, but Jason Robinson was immaculate under pressure, and they responded to the fervent passion from the home fans. Robinson was outstanding last night, both under the aerial bombardment to which he was subject, but also with a couple of dazzling runs from deep. How fitting that he will end his great career on the biggest stage.

England hung in there - often in desperation - never more so than when Joe Worsley literally got a fingertip to the ankles of Vincent Clerk who was heading in for what might have been a decisive try, and in the ensuing moments it took 4 Enlgish men to repel the rampaging Chaval.

And the pattern continued as France dominated territory, and England defended their line both stoically and heroically. And as we all know, when you are within 1 point, anything can happen.

On that never to be forgotten night in Sydney, it is easy to forget that Johnny Wilkinson had been unsuccessful with 3 attempts before nailing the famous kick that would win the World Cup in 2003.

Last night he missed no fewer than 4 kicks at goal, including a drop-goal attempt which agonisingly came back off the post. But of course, cometh the hour ...

It was a trademark run from Robinson that was ended by a high tackle which gave Wilkinson a penalty opportunity with only 5 minutes remaining. The successful kick gave England the lead for the first time in 50 minutes. And suddenly, time stood still!

As England had chased the game from behind, the clock was perpetual motion going at the speed of light. The moment England went in front, the same clock slowed to that of a tortoise.

However, England had defended their line for a longer period in Marseille a week earlier against the Australians, and the bravery they had illustrated throughout the evening meant that they would always have a chance here.

The concluding dramatic rites were as nailbiting as those that preceded them. Chabal charged, England repelled, and England's forwards drove into French territory. And this inevitably led us to a conclusion that in terms of that drama, was tantalisingly predictable.

England retained possession, they moved in field and Wilkinson waited in the pocket for the ball to be fed to him. When it came, he swung that left boot in a perfect motion - for English fans anyway. It seemed like an eternity for Mr Kaplan to blow his whistle and confirm that the ball had gone between the posts, extending England's lead to 14-9.

England would still need to survive 2 minutes fraught with tension and anxiety as the French threw everything that a nation could muster to overcome the English invasion.

However, the World Champions were resolute and stout, and held on for a famous victory. From 1 to 22, they gave a performance of passion, courage and pride.

Let there be no doubt that the French gave everything that they had in the locker, and played with a mixture of passion and power. For them, the drama became a tragedy, and this was seen with the tears of Chabal, and the emptiness on the faces of the brilliant Betsen and the ever dignified Ibanez.

Bryan Ashton, however, had called on his men to 'shock the world' prior to this World Cup. Initially, shocking was as good as it got. But now as in 2003, immortality awaits those that are brave enough to believe, with joy for those of us who dare to dream.

Until next Saturday, we will all dream.

England triumphed 14-9 in the semifinals of the 2007 Rugby World Cup tonight, knocking out France in front of partisan Paris crowd.

The World Cup exploded to life last weekend, with England shocking Australia and France conquering the All Blacks in the two best games of the tournament.

The semifinal match failed to hit those spectacular highs, but still proved to be a tense, entertaining affair.

England picked up where they left off against Australia, stunning Les Bleus with a try from Lewsey in the first minute. Jonny Wilkinson missed the touchline conversion, but England still led 5-0.

France were overeager to come back after that, resorting to speculative 50-yard attempts. Two defensive mistakes by England let the hosts back in the game, though, with Beauxis kicking a pair of penalties for a 6-5 lead after 20 minutes.

After a quiet finish to the first half, the second opened fast and furious. Both teams traded penalty kicks, with Wilkinson finally getting on the scoreboard after three early misses.

England never stopped scrapping for the lead. Wilkinson's 58th-minute drop kick hit the post, and Robinson came close to scoring a try shortly after—but France continued to hold a 9-8 advantage.

With 10 minutes left, the French had a golden opportunity to seal a place in the Final—only to be thwarted by a match-saving tap tackle from a flailing Worsley.

At the five-minute mark, Wilkinson found his kicking boots long enough to convert a penalty in front of the sticks, giving the 2003 World Cup winners an 11-9 lead. A minute later, Jonny sealed England's place in the Final with a drop-kick goal to earn a 14-9 win.

England's second against-the-odds victory gives them a surprising opportunity to defend their title—and possibly to avenge a 36-0 hammering at the hands of South Africa in the Group Stage, depending on the outcome of the other semifinal match.

France, meanwhile, has to make due with the scant consolation of hosting a successful and highly entertaining World Cup.

As England chases a second championship, Les Bleus will have to wait four more years for another crack at their first.